U.S. patent application number 10/905602 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-13 for traffic-driven wind generator.
Invention is credited to KENNETHC STEVENS, THEODOREF WIEGEL.
Application Number | 20060152012 10/905602 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35811524 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060152012 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WIEGEL; THEODOREF ; et
al. |
July 13, 2006 |
TRAFFIC-DRIVEN WIND GENERATOR
Abstract
A wind-capturing electrical generator device comprising a
plurality of generators is driven by wind created by traffic
passing in close proximity at high speeds. The device preferably
uses horizontally or vertically mounted Savonius-type or
helical-turbine-type rotors attached to electrical generators in
order to capture the wind and produce electrical energy. A
plurality of electrical generator devices may be mounted in a
configuration such that they are in close proximity to vehicular
passageways (e.g., highway overpasses, tunnels, or train rails).
The wind created by the traffic is used to rotate the vanes and
their attached generators in order to produce electrical
energy.
Inventors: |
WIEGEL; THEODOREF;
(GOLDENROD, FL) ; STEVENS; KENNETHC; (GREAT FALLS,
VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LACASSE & ASSOCIATES, LLC
1725 DUKE STREET
SUITE 650
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
35811524 |
Appl. No.: |
10/905602 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
290/55 ;
290/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F05B 2240/9113 20130101;
F03D 3/002 20130101; F03D 13/20 20160501; Y02B 10/30 20130101; F03D
9/46 20160501; F05B 2220/602 20130101; F05B 2240/2212 20130101;
F03D 3/02 20130101; F03D 9/25 20160501; F05B 2240/213 20130101;
F05B 2250/25 20130101; Y02E 10/74 20130101; Y02E 10/728 20130101;
F03D 80/70 20160501 |
Class at
Publication: |
290/055 ;
290/044 |
International
Class: |
F03D 9/00 20060101
F03D009/00; H02P 9/04 20060101 H02P009/04 |
Claims
1. A cluster of wind-capturing electrical generator devices
harnessing wind to produce electrical energy, each wind-capturing
electrical generator device comprising: at least two variable-speed
generators, a plurality of wind-capturing vanes operatively
connecting said variable-speed generators, at least two adjustable
mounting rods attached at one end to said electrical generator
device and at the other end to a secure mounting, and wherein said
vanes driven by high-speed winds created by close-proximity traffic
rotate said generators in said cluster to produce electrical
energy.
2. A cluster of wind-capturing electrical generator devices as per
claim 1, wherein said vanes of each wind-capturing electrical
generator device comprise vanes of the Savonius or helical-turbine
type.
3. A cluster of wind-capturing electrical generator devices as per
claim 1, wherein said each wind-capturing electrical generator
device is horizontally or vertically mounted.
4. A cluster of wind-capturing electrical generator devices as per
claim 1, wherein said traffic includes those found on highways or
train rails.
5. A cluster of wind-capturing electrical generator devices as per
claim 1, wherein said adjustable mounting rods allow for height or
angle adjustment.
6. A cluster of wind-capturing electrical generator devices as per
claim 1, wherein each of said generator devices is mounted to a
low-air resistance structure.
7. A cluster of wind-capturing electrical generator devices as per
claim 1, wherein said vanes of each wind-capturing electrical
generator device have a piezoelectric polymer coating or cells.
8. A cluster of wind-capturing electrical generator devices as per
claim 1, wherein said generator device uses magnetic bearings.
9. A cluster of wind-capturing electrical generator devices as per
claim 1, wherein said generator device is used with or without
ducting.
10. A cluster of wind-capturing electrical generator devices as per
claim 1, wherein each of said generator devices has a removable
safety shroud.
11. A cluster of wind-capturing electrical generator devices as per
claim 1, wherein said generator device is attached to an existing
highway overpass.
12. A cluster of wind-capturing electrical generator devices as per
claim 1, wherein said generator device surrounds a train-type
vehicle.
13. (canceled)
14. A cluster of wind-capturing electrical generator devices as per
claim 1, wherein said generator device is used on an existing wind
farm.
15. (canceled)
16. A cluster of wind-capturing electrical generator devices as per
claim 1, wherein said traffic includes vehicles, large trucks,
tractor trailers, motor homes, high-speed trains, and magnetic
levitation trains.
17-22. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
alternative energy production. More specifically, the present
invention is related to wind-driven electrical generators.
[0002] One form of alternative energy production is wind
generators, which are sometimes referred to as wind turbines. Wind
generators may be categorized into two general types: those with a
horizontal turning shaft--or on a horizontal axis--that point into
the wind, or those with a vertical shaft--or on a vertical
axis--that point vertically (or upward). Horizontal-axis generators
are the most common kind of wind turbine. The blades or vanes
provided on the horizontal-axis type are lifted aerodynamically as
the wind blows into the device, causing the shaft to turn.
Alternately, the vertical-axis type, such as a Savonius wind
generator, generally comprises two vanes that catch the wind, thus
causing the vertical shaft to turn. For example, see U.S. Pat. No.
1,766,765, which discloses a Savonius or vertical wind rotor with
oppositely curved or arranged vanes. Additional examples of prior
art wind generating devices or systems are provided below:
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,568 provides a vertical axis Savonius
rotor with a fantail that may be used with high-speed winds. The
rotor is used with a single-speed control mechanism attached to the
bottom of the rotor assembly.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,976 describes a wind-driven turbine
including a rotor and a plurality of vanes that are vertically
mounted for capturing wind and forming a venturi.
[0005] None of the above references describe a device that utilizes
multiple electrical generators for the accumulation of wind energy.
Each of the above types uses a single electrical rotor and stator
for each device.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,061 is an example of prior art,
discussing a windtrap energy system having a rotary shaft and a
series of windtraps with vanes for capturing wind energy. The
system may be in a vertical or horizontal position. Kinetic energy
of wind is transmitted through the shaft and flywheel to turn
multiple generators and produce electricity. An electrical
controller is used with this system. However, it does not appear to
describe its use in high-speed vehicular applications.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,590,363 B2 discloses a charging station
comprising a duct that collects wind to generate power. The station
uses solar panels and at least one Savonius-type wind power
generator to charge an electric car. Using high-speed winds from
passing vehicles, however, does not appear to be discussed.
[0008] German Patent DE 4232186 describes a wind generator placed
by the side of a road or highway having 3-blades on a horizontal
axis (as used on most wind farms). Preferably, the blades are set
in motion by the draft of vehicles. However, because of the limited
surface area it presents to vehicles, only a small fraction of the
air output from vehicular traffic can be captured. Also, ducting is
not practical, and the unshrouded design causes concern for
safety.
[0009] One beneficial arena for energy production through the use
of wind generators would be within an Interstate highway or other
high-speed road system due to existing attachment points of
overpasses. The average wind speed in the United States is
approximately 12 mph; thus, large quantities of electricity may be
produced due to the velocity of the winds produced by and around
vehicles that greatly exceed this average speed. Similarly, other
high-speed vehicles, such as trains, would also produce large
quantities of wind energy in close proximity to the tracks. A
system that effectively utilizes the hurricane-velocity winds
available in high-wind speed environments such as these for energy
production is greatly needed in the art. In particular, using two
electrical generators for each device would double the traditional
energy output.
[0010] The use of Savonius-type wind generators built to work with
high-speed vehicles is not known in the art. Further, the use of
Savonius-type wind generators designed for either horizontal or
vertical mounting is not known in the art. Also, the use of more
than one electrical generator in a given unit is not known or
employed.
[0011] Using a Savonius-type wind generator driven by the
high-speed buffeting (laminar flow) of vehicular traffic would be
very beneficial. More specifically, mounting multiple Savonius-type
generators horizontally and/or vertically to capture wind generated
under highway overpasses and other high-wind transportation
environments would provide a high-output, alternative energy
production method.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A wind-capturing electrical generator device comprising a
plurality of generators is driven by wind created by traffic
passing at high speeds. The device uses horizontally or vertically
mounted Savonius-type vanes to capture the wind and produce
electrical energy. A plurality of electrical generator devices may
be mounted in close proximity to vehicular passageways (e.g.,
highway overpasses, tunnels, or train rails).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a general wind-capturing electrical
generator device.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred configuration of a
plurality of wind generator devices driven by close-proximity
traffic in a highway system.
[0015] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate an alternative configuration of a
plurality of wind generator devices driven by close-proximity
traffic in a train system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] While this invention is illustrated and described in a
preferred embodiment, the device may be produced in many different
configurations, forms and materials. Depicted in the drawings and
herein described in detail is a preferred embodiment of the
invention, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to
be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention
and the associated functional specifications for its construction,
and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment
illustrated. Those skilled in the art will envision many other
possible variations within the scope of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates general wind-capturing device 100 used in
the present invention. As shown, device 100 is preferably a
horizontally-mounted Savonius-type wind generator. Device 100
comprises variable-speed electrical generators 102 and
energy-capturing vanes 104 that are of the Savonius-type or
helical-turbine type. Although two generators and vanes are shown
and described, their number should not be limited. The vanes and
electrical generators are operatively connected, such that rotation
of the vanes subsequently rotates the generators. The electrical
rotor (not shown) of each variable-speed electrical generator 102
captures residual motion of the wind to the maximum extent through
flywheel effect, achieved partially through using light wind vanes
with little inertia. It should be noted that in this application,
"wind" refers primarily to artificially-generated airflow; that is,
the wind or high-speed airflow created by vehicular traffic.
Examples of the device's use will be described below.
[0018] Depending on the application, vanes 104 may turn in one or
both directions. Also, vanes 104 can preferably withstand sudden
wind bursts of more than 300 mph, and devices 100 can be sited in
order to capture energy from natural prevailing winds as much as
possible. Device 100 also comprises a removable safety shroud 106,
adjustable mounting rods 108, a secure mounting 110, and electrical
output lines 112. Adjustable mounting rods 108 allow device 100 to
be raised and lowered to a desired height as well as a desired
angle. The secure mounting 110 may be used to mount device 100 in a
high-wind speed environment, such as underneath an Interstate
highway overpass (as described below with reference to FIG. 2).
Output lines 112 lead from generators 102 to a control box (not
shown).
[0019] In addition, the present invention may be used with or
without ducting (not shown). The use of ducting with device 100
will increase its efficiency. For example, with ducting the wind
speed at vanes 104 will increase via a Venturi or funnel effect.
Also, in conjunction with the force being directed to the bottom
half of the vanes, it will substantially increase the amount of
energy generated per vehicle.
[0020] Also, though FIG. 1 illustrates a single wind-capturing
device 100, the preferred configuration is for a plurality of wind
capturing devices used in a cluster, with each device comprising at
least two electrical generators.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred configuration of
wind-capturing electrical generator devices driven by
close-proximity traffic in a highway system, such as an Interstate
highway. A plurality of generators 204 is attached horizontally to
an existing concrete structure of highway overpass 202. As
described with reference to FIG. 1, generators 204 are adjustable
for height as well as angle in order to safely clear vehicles that
pass below and to interface most favorably with the airflow.
[0022] As vehicles, such as large trucks, tractor-trailers, or
motor homes 200 drive underneath highway overpass 202, high-speed
winds are created. The vanes in the plurality of generators 204
receive the airflow as the tractor trailer 200 passes.
[0023] In addition to the plurality of generators, other devices
may be used to augment energy production. For example, the above
highway system may also use ducting to increase efficiency.
[0024] Also, with proper height measurement (which is limited in
the United States) and lane channeling (via the road
department/U.S. DOT support), cars and SUVs may also be electrical
energy producers. Given their vast numbers in relation to trucks,
busses, and motor homes, it would be beneficial to alter the
above-described system to include vehicles such as cars and SUVs as
energy resources.
[0025] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate the use of the wind-capturing
electrical generator devices in an alternative traffic-driven
configuration. As shown in the figures, generator devices may be
used in multiples with a train system, such as a high-speed train
system, including "bullet" or MAGLEV trains, which provide a
high-speed buffeting force.
[0026] FIG. 3a illustrates high-speed train 300. As shown,
surrounding train 300 is a low-air-resistance mounting structure
302 with attached horizontal wind generator device 304 and two
vertical wind generator devices 306 on either side. The
low-air-resistance mounting structure, similar to those that are
now used to mount Interstate system informational signs, should be
of "open" construction so that extra drag (other than that imposed
by passing vehicles) is not imposed on it (e.g., a structure like a
wind tower). The mounting structure is designed to be large enough
to allow a train to pass through. In this case, the mounting
structure extends from one side of the track to the other, and
allows for the attachment of generator devices on the top and sides
to "surround" the train. However, designs that use structures just
on top or sides do not depart from the scope of this invention. The
mounting structure should be in close proximity to the train and
the track in order to harness the most energy. Also, although three
generator devices are illustrated, it should be noted that any
number of generators may be used, and in a serial configuration. In
addition, any combination of generators hung horizontally or
vertically is also envisioned. An additional set of generator
devices 304a and 306a is provided on the opposite sides of mounting
structure 302, forming first generator cluster 308.
[0027] FIG. 3b illustrates a variant of the traffic-driven wind
generator device with the previously described train system. Six
generator devices (two horizontal, four vertical) are employed and
are attached to a low-air-resistance mounting structure. In this
configuration, a single structure comprises twelve electrical
generators. In FIG. 3b, an additional or second generator cluster
310 is provided with horizontal generators 314 and 314a and
vertical generators 312 and 312a on either side.
[0028] High-speed train 300 runs on track 320 and passes through a
first and second generator cluster 308 and 310. The high-speed
winds generated by the passing trains are captured by the
Savonius-type vanes of the generator devices to generate
electricity. Although only two clusters are shown, any number of
clusters may be provided, and in a serial configuration. Also,
although the low-air-resistance mounting structure is described
with reference to a train system, the structures may also be
applied to a highway system.
[0029] Also, it should be noted that the low-air-resistance
mounting structure can span either auto-truck lanes or train rail
lines, be cascaded in a series, with or without ducting, and
capture energy from traffic going in one direction or both
directions (conventionally trains go both directions on the same
track, while other vehicles go in one direction on either side of
the road).
[0030] The use of this wind generator with an electrically-driven
train system has several advantages. For example, the energy
produced by the device can help to propel the train with virtually
no voltage drop due to proximity to the electrical source. Or, in
the case of a MAGLEV train, the energy produced can supplement the
energy used to lift the train. The wind generators would feed
electrical energy directly to the track and the output lines would
be very short; hence, minimal voltage drop. Also, the super high
speeds of bullet and MAGLEV trains (which have the possibility of
reaching over 300 mph) enable the generation of enormous amounts of
wind energy as compared to road traffic. In a more regulated rail
environment, the wind generator(s) can be positioned more closely
to the moving vehicle, thereby enhancing efficiency.
[0031] A variation of the device described uses piezoelectric
polymer coatings, cells, or wafers on both sides of each of its
vanes such that when the vanes bend, extra electricity is
generated. The bending amount is controlled through varying the
thickness and composition of the vanes.
[0032] Some important advantages of the described traffic-driven
wind generator device over traditional Savonius-type machines are:
it is attached at two points instead of one, greatly enhancing its
stability and durability in very high winds; the degree of blade
flex and pitch can be better controlled between the two mounting
surfaces; and the use of two electrical generators in one machine
produces double the traditional energy output.
[0033] Electrical energy produced by the described device is
"cleaned" and converted as required, metered, and sent directly
into the local or regional electrical power grid. Local governments
can be compensated via energy credits for the energy captured in
their respective domains. Vehicles that pass the devices can be
electronically registered and provided similar energy credits. In
addition, the wind energy captured and converted to electrical
energy on highways can be sent to designated rest stops where it
can be used to recharge electric or hybrid vehicles.
[0034] The electrical generators used in the present invention may
use magnetic bearings in lieu of traditional bearings, allowing
them to be virtually free of maintenance, as shutting down traffic
to lubricate bearings is inconvenient. Besides reducing
maintenance, magnetic bearings also enhance efficiency. Also, some
of the energy produced by the electrical generator can be siphoned
off to power these bearings.
[0035] Other configurations, such as a single helical-vane unit or
three or more vanes, rather than two vanes (a classic Savonius
type) are also possible in the wind-capturing electrical generator
device, and would not depart from the scope of the present
invention.
[0036] Although the generator device is intended primarily to work
with various vehicles or traffic, it could easily be adapted to a
more conventional venue, such as the mouth of a valley or on a
hilltop. Steady winds in these environments may exceed the average
12 mph, making it a highly desirable arena for capturing wind.
Besides valleys or hills, the described device may also be placed
on tall buildings (e.g., skyscrapers). In this case, its placement
on tall buildings will capture high-velocity air, yet its low
profile will be less objectionable than standard horizontal-shaft
types because of its greater aesthetic appeal (and screens may be
set up to preclude bird strikes). Also, the device may be sited
underneath existing horizontal-type wind turbines in
already-chartered wind farms. Placement in licensed wind farms will
maximize the use of both the land and already-existing power grid
hookups. In any of the above non-traffic-dependent cases, a platter
or turntable may be used for mounting a base, and a tail vane (much
like conventional wind generators) employed to enable the generator
to turn into the wind. It may also be used with or without ducting
in these non-vehicular applications.
CONCLUSION
[0037] A system and method has been shown in the above embodiments
for the effective implementation of a traffic-driven wind
generator. While various preferred embodiments have been shown and
described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit
the invention by such disclosure, but rather, it is intended to
cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within
the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended
claims. For example, the present invention should not be limited by
size, materials, or specific manufacturing techniques. As
previously described, the generators in the present invention may
use magnetic bearings in lieu of traditional bearings, and
controlled bending of the vanes to derive electricity from
piezoelectric cells or coatings. The number and configuration of
vanes as described in the preferred embodiment should not be
restricted.
* * * * *